Franklin Township

Franklin Township

Franklin is situated in the southwest corner ot the county, and contains parts of township 1-i north, ranges 1 and 2 west. It is bounded on the north by Clay Township, on the east by Liberty, on the south by Morgan and Putnam counties, and on tlie west by Putnam County. The township is rolling in the central, and levelin the northwestern and southeastern portions. It is drained by Mill Creek and its tributaries in the central and western parts, and Mud Creek in the southeastern. The streams which pass through this township are small, but their valleys are wider and the extent of bottom lands along- their banks is s;reater than that of the streams in any other part of Hendricks County. There is but little second-rate land in Franklin Township, and it ])0ssesses a much greater proportionate extent of alluvial lands than any other township in the county. So far as corn is concerned, Franklin Township is the Egypt of Hendricks County.

First Events

The first settler in Franklin was Judg-e Nathan Kirk, who, without doubt, located on Mill Creek where the old Terre Haute road crosses it, in 1820, and kept a house of entertainment. The next settler of whom we can get any account was Jeremiah Stiles, the founder of Stilesville, in 1S80. He settled there in 1823, and was closely followed by John Swart, Jolui and Isaac Wilcox, John Eslinger, David Ocsburn and Jacob Reese. It is not known when Franklin Town.-.r"i,^* was organized but it was soon after the beginning of Hendricks County. Jere Stiles was the first .Justice of the Peace. He laid out the town of Stilesville in 1830. S.amuel Wick

The first religious meetings in the township were held by the New Lights, and John Smart and Thomas Woods did tlie prcaeliing. This denomination organized a church at Orsburn's horsemill, which was the most noted place in the townsliip until about 1835. At this mill the Cliristian church was organized by Tiiomas Lockhart, in 1832. There are at present five churches in the township - Christian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Missionary and Regular Baptist. Three of these are in the village of Stilesville.

In comparison with the otiier townships, it stands ninth in area, tenth in wealth, ninth in the number of inhabitants and eighth in the derisity of its population. It is tlie only township in the county that is not touched by a railroad.

The first schoul in Franklin Township was taught in 1831, by Jed iah White, one mile south of Stilesville. The district consisted of two townships. Thomas Barker was successor to Mr. AV'iiice in the school. He was a good teacfier, of fair attainments, but addicted to the use of "tanglefoot." Often, at noon recess, he would go to the village and return much exhilarated, and would devote the afternoon to illustrated lessons in politeness, which the children enjoyed hugely. In 1831 Eli Lee taught the first school in Stilesville; in connection with this he also mended shoes. One day while a class was up rattling off its lesson, and the teacher was pegging away on a shoe, Luke Stiles, who had been sent out from the school to prepare some fuel, cut down a tree which fell the wrong way and came down with a crash across the school house.

Official

Following are the names, with the years of election, of those who have held the various offices in Franklin Township since its organization:

Justices of the Peace: Jeremiah Stiles, 1830; Richard II. Van Dike, 1831; Wilcox, 1832; Joshua Pickett, M. P. Mitchell and B. R. Warmley, 1S31:; Nelson Woods and Isaac Wilcox, 1S35; Berry Burks, 1838; Berry Burks, 1843; James Borders, 181:5; Berry Burks, 1848; Alexander L. blasters and Absalom Snoddy, 1850; Ilenr}- Mc.lUister, 1851; Absalom Suoddy and Ciiristopher Wilson (contested, and David Scott chosen at special election), 1855; John Havens, 1856; Jeremiah Gentry, 1858; James W. Matlock and Charles W. McClure, 1859; Absalom Snoddy, Daniel McAninch and John Mulholland, 1860; Absalom Snoddy, David Scott and Daniel McAninch, 186i; Absalom Snoddy, J. T. Pearcy and Daniel McAninch, 1S68; Absalom Snoddy, O. E. Hnme and. Charles Eossj 1870; James W.Matlock, 1872; John K. Kelly, Elisha McAninch and Absalom Snoddy, 187-1; Elisha McAninch and John- - Campbell, 1878; Jolm H. Baldock, ISSO; Elisha McAninch, E. N. Evans and W. H. Ealdock, 1882; J. Q. Barrow, ISSl.

Constalles: William Shipley, 1831; Isaac Wilcox and George Hancock, 1832; Absalom Snoddy and Thomas M. Hults, 1833; Edward Shipley and Moses C. Hough, 183-1; Edward Shipley and George Morris, 1835; James G. Hibbs and William Recce, 1836; William Garrison and Thomas Broadstreet, 1837; William Garrison and Wili;,im R. Kirk, 1838; T. N. Morris and William R. Kirk, 1889; Jesse Garrison and Anderson M. Cleghorn, ISii; Absalom Snoddy and Anderson M. Cleghorn, 18i5-'6; Jesse Garrison and William Bryant, 18-17; Thomas J. Nichols and David Alley, 1S4S; Anderson M. Clcghorn and David Alley, ISiO; Henry McAllister James R. Dickens, 1850; Jesse Garrison and A. G. Detrick, 1851; John W. Sharp and William Page, 1852; George Kreigh and Joseph H. Bryant, 1853; Solomon Stephens, 185-1; Joseph S. Bryant, and C. A. Borders; 1855; James "Vermillion and A. N. Hodson, 1856; David Allen and Richard Bryant, 1857; L. W. Stringer, 1858; David McNabb and 0. E. McAffee, lS59-'60; W. B. Walls, Jacob Phillips and David McNabb, 1861 ; William A. Baldwin, 1862; L. Kinney, H. Cecil and A.K Hodson, 1863; Samuel Swope, Joseph Walls and John Kelley, 1861; Preston Page and D. P.Bryant, 1866; J. M. Green, Lazarns Kinney and Joseph Walls, 18GS; Joseph Walls, S. Evans and J. F. McAninch, 1869; J. Richardson, John Wilson and William A. Baldwin, 1870; John Richardson, and J. W. Matlock, 1872; O. E. Hume, John Richardson and A. A. Snoddy, 1874; B. F. Tignor, John Richardson and William McAninch, 1876; John Richardson and John Maliouey, 1S7S; William Appleby, John B. Bair and W. A. Baldwin, 1880; A- J. Harbaiigh, and" J. R. Coble, 1882; William Burris and A. J. Harbaugh, 1884.

First Election

The poll-book of the general election of 1831 (held Aug. 1, at Stilesville), gives the names of forty voters, which are here copied, unchanged, as a nearly complete list of the first settlers: "William Shipley, Jonathan 'Sparks, Joseph Petto, Jacob Reace, Jerremiah Stiles, James Kelly, John Brown, George II. Keller, George MorriSjGcorge Hancock, Henry Reo£e,William Thomas, Peter Pearson, Thomas Wood, Edward Shipley, Samuel Wick, Daniel Austin, Lorenzoe Y). Cleghorn, James Walls, Isaac Odle, William Scott, Carles Smith, Silas Rujtin, William Wilcocks, Absalom Snoddy, Samuel Gerber, Monroe Cleghorn, Joseph Cleghorn', William Snoddy, James Prichett, Eli Lee, (Frederick Cosner, William Becknel, Joshua Ruston, James Bray, James Wiece, John Hancock, Silas Bryant, Nicholas Osbourn and Garry Morris.

The vote at this election was counted by James Walls and Silas Bryant as judges, with Thomas Wood and John Hancock as clerks, and Jeremiah Stiles as inspector. They reported as follows: "We, the inspector and judges of this election, after being duly qualified, proceeded to receive, count and compare votes and find them as follows, viz.: For Governor, James G. Reed got twentytwo votes; Noah Noble got seventeen votes. For Lieutenant-Governor, Ross Smiley got twenty-two votes; Wallis (first name unknown) got cwelve votes. For Congress, RatlifF Boon got twentytwo votes; John Law got eighteen votes. For Senitor, Willis G. Conduit got twenty-five votes; Levi Jessup got fourteen votes. For Represeutatfve, John Hannah got twenty votes; Lewis Mastin got twenty votes. For Sheriff, Thomas Nicols got twenty-seven votes. -For Commissioner, John Woodard got tsventy-nine votes; Alex. McCalment got twenty vites; Jacob Canady got seventeen votes; David Matlock got six votes and Reubin Claypool got four votes."

Political

has been Kepublican, generally two to one, as compared with the opposition vote. Following is the vote for President at each election since 1836 : - was laid off as a village in 1828, and a small settlement started. The opening of the National Koad through this county in 1830, passing directly through Stilesville, made this point of some importance. It was a station at which all emigrants to the great West aimed to take a dinner or a night's lodging. The village prospered, and, though in time it lost its relative importance, it has held its own in population, having now 350 inhabitants. There is not a village in Indiana t lat has a more orderly, intelligent and kindly population than Stilesville. All the place needs is a railroad, and this it may have in a few years. It has a daily mail and hack to the Vandalia Railroad, which is but five miles distant. The present business firms of Stilesville are: Jacob Bruce, hack and mail line; A. N. Crawford, blacksmith; Elder & Crawford, meat market; Mrs. Ellmore, millinery; "William H. EUmore, shoe shop; E. N. Evans, carpenter; B. M. Gentrji, postoffice; Gentry Bros., general store; J. N. Green, physician; A. Heavenridge, druggist and physician; A. W. Johnson, boarding house; A. D. Kelley, merchant tailor; A. L. Masters, dry-goods; N. G. Masters, physician; W. McKenzie, saddlery and harness; Alvin Moudj, grocery; A. Osborne, druggist; W. A. Shoptaugh, hotel; Samuel Swope, undertaker; Tiguor & Richardson, blacksmiths.

Stilesville has a fine new brick school building, which is now, in the spring of ISSo, being completed at a cost of $5,000. It is two stories and a basement in height, f.iid will have three rooms and a vestibule, with three teachers. This building, with the three churches, adds very much to the looks of the village.

Religious

The Missionary Baptist Church has been organized between forty-five and fifty years. The frame church first used was built in ISiO. Among tlie early members of the society were Davis Boswell, Abraham Bland, James "WaMs, Moses Crawford, Josiah Garrin, their wives, and Mary Reese. The present fine brick church was completed in 1S32, at a cost of §3,000. It has a handsome slate roof, and will seat 300 people. The membership is about seventy-five. Among the early pastors were Revs. John Jones, " Uncle Ben" Arnold, John Mugg, Jacob and John Rynearson.

The Christian Church was organized and their first house of worship was erected in 1812. This was a frame church, and cost $1,000. Among the first members were Daniel Osborne, John "W. Bryant, John R. Robards, George W. Snoddy, James Snoddy and their families. After using their first church over thirty years, a nice brick one was erected, with neat slate roof, costing' altogether §2,500. The membersliip of the society is approximately 100. Services are held monthly. George W. Snoddy preached over forty years, dying in April, 1832. Commeiicin>3' somewhat before his death, Rev. A. J. Frank, of Greencastle, took charge of this parish, which he managed three years. Then Rev. A. M. Connor and a brother officiated for three months, after whom came Rev. Mr. Gilchrist, of Irvington, who remained nine months. He was the last regular pastor. The present officers of the society are: Elders, J. N. Green, Daniel Ooborne, C. Robards

'£Ke Methodist Episcojpal Church lias been organized at least forty jears. Sarvices were held for many years in the schoolhouse, and in 1850 they built their present church, at a cost of $1,600. It will seat about 200. Among the early members were Isaac Smart, William Cline, John Chirk, John Richardson, James Borders, Joseph Bishop, Edward Jackson, Elisha McAninch and their wives. The ministers liave been, in order, James Williams, Joseph Woods, J. F. Woodruff, Elias Gaskin, - Bridges, Miles Woods, W. W. Pewett, William Giunis, Asa Beck and J. V. P. Miller. The last named, the present pastor, commenced his labors here in tlie fall of 1SS4. The present membership of the society is about fifty.

Biographical

John Wesley Brown, section 26, Franklin Township, is a son of Amiel and Susannah Brown. He -was born Sept. 26, 1836, on the farm where he now resides. He was married Sept. 26, 1S59, to Sarah J. Smart, daughter of Isaac Smart, who came from Ohio to this township in 1S51, at present living in Ca.;s County, Mo. To them were born two children - Virgil died at the a^e of si.v months and Effie died at the age of tw^o years, ^rs. Brown died Jan. 21, 1862, aged twenty-one years, and Mr. Brown married for his second wife Mrs. M. W. CritchfielcL widow of J. G. Critchficld. She was born in Bourbon County, Kv., a daughter of Robert and

Eliza Turner. Tuey have two children - Ora A. and Jessie "W. Mr. and Mrs. Brosvn are consistent members ot the Christian church. Mr. Brown has served acceptably as Township Trustee, and has been prominently identified with all enterprises for the good of his township'. In politics he is a staunch Republican. Amiel Brown, father of our subject, was born Sept. 10, 1810, in Gullford County, In'". C, and in 1S2C his parents. James and Rebecca Brown, moved to "Wayne County, Ind., from thence to Morgan County, and subsequently settled in Iowa, where they died. Amiel Brown was married in 1S32 to Susannah Burris, a native of Ilio-hland County, Ohio, and a daughter of John Burris. They reared seven children - Mrs. Louisa Jane Crawford, died at Stilesville, May 22, 1881; John W., our subject; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Swope, a resident of Stilesville; Mrs. Mary F. Dunningtou, deceased; Yerlin G. living in Kansas; Mrs. Carrie E. Hollingsworth, deceased, and Laura P., residing at Stilesville. After his marriage Mr. Brown settled in Liberty Township, and in 1835 moved to Clay Township. He came to this township in 1814, settling on a farm on section 2G, which contains 160 acres of excellent land and is now owned and occupied by our subject. Amiel Brown died at the old homestead April 13, 1869. His wife died Aug. 2, 1883, in her seventyfourth year. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Bary M. Gentry, of the firm of Gentry Brothers, general merchants, Stilesville, Ind., is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Hendricks County. His father, Elaxton Gentry, was born in Culpeper, Ya., June 1, 1766, and was reared in Cnlpeper .and Lee counties. He was twice married. His first wife was a Miss Brush, who died in Virginia. He afterward moved with his children to- Kentucky, where he was married in September, 1816 to jSTancy Hough, a native of New Jersey, who moved with her parents to Kentucky when a child. In the autumn of 1832 Mr. Gentry came from Kentucky to Hendricks County, Ind., with a four-horse team. His family at that time consisted of eio-ht children, the eldest of whom, Garland, the only child by his first marriage, was married and brought his wife and child. They located in what is now Franklin Township, Mr. Gentry buying 155 acres of land. They cleared and cultivated a farm where" they reared their family, and where the father died April 9, 1845, and the mother May 23, 1853. They are buried on the homestead oo land selected for that purpose by the father. Mr. Gentry was prom- inentlj idexitified with the early history ot Franklin Township. Poh'tically he was in early life a Jackson Democrat, but in 1840 voted for General Harrison. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Seven children were born to this second marriage - Melvin A., Eliza J., Bary M., John'W., Sarah Ann (deceased), Jeremiah and Hezekiab. Bary M. Gentry was born in Kentucky, Jan. 16, 1821. After attaining manhood he engaged in agricnltural pursuits till 1S71, and still owns a fine farm in Adams Township, Morgan County. He has accumulated a fioe property by industry and frugality, being in limited circumstanced when he started in life. In March, 1871, he became associated with his brother Hezekiah and established the general mercantile busi ness in Stilesville, where they have built up a good trade which is constantly increasing. , Mr. Gentry married Elizabeth J. Ludlow, a native of Kentucky, daughter of Nathaniel Ludlow. They have had a family of ten cliildren, six of whom are living - Melvina A., Nancy J., Joanna, Harrison, Candace and John W. Mr. Gentry's brother Hezekiah was born in Kentucky, Aug. 16, 1830. He married Mary A. Wilcox, a native of Hendricks County, born Dec. 29, 1831:. They have one daughter - Sarah A., born March 19, 1851, now the wife of James M. Tincher.

Jonathan N. Green, 3£- D., Stilesville, Ind., was born in Guilford County, N. C, Aug. 23, 1825, a son of John and Charity (Swaim) Green. In 1835 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind.. and settled on a farm near PlainSeld. In 1837 they bought a farm in Center Township, where the father died in 1S40. The mother survived her husband several years. They had a family of eight children, four of wliom are living - Leno W., of Center Townsliip; INIartha, wife of John Lan;b; Martin L., a Methodist minister, at "West Lebanon, and Jonathan N. Dr. Green began the study of medicine in lSi6 with Drs. Henry G. and David Todd, of Danville, and remained with them throe years. He tht-n located in Stilesville and began the practice of his profession. In the winter of 1857-'58 he attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, 111., and graduated in the spring of the latter year. He has built up a large practice, having won the C'jufidence and esteem ot all who know him. He was married to Eva Y. Pope, a native ot Liberty Township, born in 1833, a daughter of Jamas N. Pope, a pioneer of Hendricks County.

Marj Grnnes, were boru, reared and married in tliat State and emigrated o this county locating in this townsliip. Tliev brought four children with them-Elias, Elihn, AYilliam and John' of whom the latter is the only one now residing in this eonnty' Ihc fa her died here in 1855, his widow surviving him till 1868 John A Grimes was married Oct. IT, 1849, to Rebecca Morgan, a nat.ve of Tennessee, whose parents settled in Hamilton (Jounty, lod where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes have seven children -Oliver Morton, Charles F., Rozilla E., Hannah D., Ellsworth Francis M and Ehoda L., all living at home. Mr. Grimes is in comfortable circumstances, owning a fine farm of 137 acres. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Regular Baptist church. . . °

Jehu Eadley is one of the most prominent farmers of Hendricks County His farm is one of the best in the county, and none have required more labor to change from a state of nature to that of hio-h productn-ene.s. Marcii 4, 1838, Mr. H.dley bought 320 acres°of d °"r:r?:n'' ^°^^-"^'^'t^' -t «iat°time a swamp a jacent to Mill Creek which flowed through it, a sluggish stream' Ihe part of his purchase which was arable was covered with a heavy growth of timber. Old settlers pronounced the estate valueess and predicted starvation to the owner, but to-day it is the model arm of tl^e county. This change'has been wrought by incessant toil and perseverance. Two thousand rods of tile drainao-e,^ 400 rods of open ditch, one mile of levee on the banks of Milfcreeh indicate the character of tbe improvements. Every acre of tlie and IS improved The fine park and amphitheatre was built for he use of the old settlers, who have held their annual re-unions there for thu-teen years, with an average attendance of 6 000 persons. Mr. Hadley at one time owned 650 acres, nearly all of which he improved. Probably n,. other man in Hendricks Countv ha. cleared and improved as much land as he. Part of tliis h'e has sold, and part he has deeded to his children til! his firm is now reduced to 200 acres. His beautiful brick residence, built in 187.1 IS amodel^of convenience and comfort, and cost, with surroundina-'' out-bu.ldings, over $10,000. No r.ian in Hendricks Countv is moi°e widely known, and certainly no one is more highlv respected for the many qualities that combine to make a true manhood than Jelm Hadley In deal he is more than just, he is generous. Hon orable himself he never distrusts a man till helms proved him Liberal and charitable, he never refuses aid to a worthy man ' ' object, and for forty years the needy have known that in him they had a friend who never tnroed any empty-lianded away. Strom' in his likes and dislikes, he loves his friends but eschews his enemies. Mr. Hadley was born in Chatham County, N. C, Oct. 19, 1810, and in 1S25 accompanied his parents, James T. and Maiy (Richardson) Hadley, to Hendricks County and located in Center Township. He was married Aug. 3, 1837, to Jerusha Stiles, a native of Vermont, born July 19, 1819, daughter of Jeremiah and Sibyl Stiles. Her father was the founder of Stilesville, locatinothere in 1821. Mrs. Stiles died in January, 1828, and was the first married woman who died in that place. Mr. Stiles subscqnentl}' married again. He died of cholera, at Savannah, Mo. But three of his children are living - Mrs. Hadley, Mrs. Sibyl Whicker, and Lewis (son of the second marriage). One son, Luke, a physician, of Chicago, 111., died in 188-1. To Mr. and Mrs. Hadley have been born ten children - Mrs. Nancy Daggy, of Danville; Mrs. Mary Gibben, of Butler, Mo.; Henry, of Eel River Township; Sibyl, deceased, wife of William Wilson; George Wasliington and Marcus Lafayette, enlisted in the wf.r of the Kebellion and died in the service; Mrs. Alice Matlock, of California; Mrs. Laura Masten, of this township; .John and Jerusha (twins), at home. Mr. Hadley is a member of the Christian and Mrs. Hadley of the Missionary Baptist church.

Thomas Harrison, deceased, was born in North Carolina in 1800, and removed with his parents to Kentucky, where he married Nancy Bryan, a native of East Tennessee, born Nov. 28, 1807. In the fall of 1832 they moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled on section 19, Franklin Township, where Mr. Harrison died Nov. 11, 1846. Mrs. JIarrison still lives on the homestead, which contains 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison had a family of six children, three of whom are living - Mrs. Martha Walls, John and Mrs. Emeline Swinler. James died at the age of fifteen years, Nathan aged seventeen yenrs and William aged forty years. The latter was married and left a widow and four children - I va, Oscar, Ada and Wilmie. Mrs. William Harrison, whose maiden name was Eliza Bartholomew, daughter of Benjamin and Sabrina (Johnson) Bartholomew, lives on the homestead with Mrs. Harrison.

A. Heavenri.dge, 21. D., Stilesville, Ind., ,was born in Union County, Ind., May 22, 1829. His father, William Heavenridge, born 1791, was a native of Louisiana, and when fifteen years ot age moved with his parents to Tennessee, and thence to Union County, Ind. He subsequently located in Henry County, and from tliore moved to Putnam County, and thence to that part of Morgan County which is now a part of Hendricks. He afterward moved to Wabash County, where he died Feb. 17, 1864. His wife died April 16, 1862. Our subject was reared on a farm, and ifarch 1, 1S53, began the study of medicine with Dr. Moody, of Stilesvilie, remaining with him two years. He attended two courses of lectures at Kush Medical College, Chicago, 111., in the winters of 1854:-'5 and lS57-'8, graduating in the spring of the latter year. He then located in Stilesvilie and, with the exception of three years spent in Putnam Count}', has since resided here. He is a close student of his profession and has built up a large practice. He was married to Sarah McKenzie, a native of Virginia, who removed with her parents to Kentucky, where her father died, and in lSi4 she accompanied her mother to Pntnam County, Ind., removing to Hendricks County in 1849. To Dr. and Mrs. Heavenridge have been born three children, but two of whom are living - Eugenia and Frank M. Gertrude died in childhood.

Mslville F. MoHaffie, section 29, Mill Greek Township, Putnam Co., Ind., is so prominently identified with the material and social interests of Hendricks County that its history could not be considered complete without mention of him. He was born in Knox County, Tenn., Dec. 27, 1826, a son of Andrew E. and Kancy (Woods) McHalfie. His mother died when he was three years of age leaving three children - Nancy E., widow of William P. Roberts; Melville F. and Tluirza Jane, who died aged twelve years. In October, 1832, his father settled in Franklin Township, Hendricks County, three-fourths of a mile from Stile3ville,living a short time in a tent. He bought 640 acres of Government land, coming to this county with some money compared to the majority of the early settlers. He improved his farm rapidly and soon had a good home. He married" a second time, in Angust, 183S, in Blount County, Tenn., Nancy D. Kilburn. One child was born to them, Mary Angeline, now a resident of Stilesvilie. Andrew McHaffie was one of the prominent, enterprising citizens of Hendricks County, noted for his honorable dealings and benevolence. He died Oct. 17, 1863, aged sixty-five years and six months. His widow died in Arkansas in 1881. His father, John McHaffie, served nearly six years in the war of the Revolution, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis, and for his gallantry won a

History Of Hendricks Countv

Captain s commission. He died in Tennessee, about thirty vears after the close of the war, aged fiftj-two years. He liad ,noved to tha State ,n ISOl. His widow survived him many years and died at the residence of A.E.McHaffie, in Franklin Township. Melville F^McHafhe remained with his father til! twenty -four years of age. He was married Aug. 15, 1S50, to Mary Ann Thomas, a «at,ve of West Philadelphia, born July 16, 1S30, daughter of Jonathan Thomas, who moved to Ohio, and died in Preble County The mother subsequently married Theodore Long, and with him moved to Mill Creek Township, Putnam Co., Ind., where they both died March 4, 1S51. Mr. McHaffie moved to a cabin on section 29 near their present residence. He at that time owned no laud his cabin being on his father's land. He has been very successful in all his business operations, and is now one of the largestland owners of Indiana. His home farm contains 1000 acres, situated on sections 28 and 20, Mill Creek Township and sections 20 and 21, Franklin Township, Hendricks County His residence was built in 1S72, at a cost of $10,000. He also owns nearly all of section 27, 160 acres of section 22 and eighty acres ot paction 8 Franklin Township. In 1858 he bought 1,153 acres of land, part of it improved, in Bates County, Mo. The latter he has so,d at a profit ot 810,000. Mf. and Mrs. McHaffie have had ten children s,.. of whon. are living-Florence Alice, wife of Charles W. i^-Klges of Indianapolis; George W., of Franklin Township- Inez B., wife of Dr. G. N. Masters, of Stilesville; Oscar S., Melville E. and Mary E., at home. Clarine Yirginia married Thomas b. -Hog-gess, of Macon, Misc., and died after fourteen months of married life. Andrew E. died aged seventeen years; Clarence V aged two years and Marcus, aged three and a half years. In politics Mr. McHaffie is a Democrat.

Jonathan L. Newman is one of tiie most prominent and successful farmers of Franklin Township, and a representative of one of the first families to settle in Hendricks County. His father, John Newman, was bora in Guilford County, K C, of Irish descent. He was reared >n his native county, and there married Elizabeth Lacy, also a native ofNorth Carolina, of English descent. In 1^3-1 he came to Hendricks Coun'y, Ind., and entered 480 acres of land or, section IS, Franklin Township, tie soon after returned to ' North Carolina, but in 1S36 came again to Indiana and built a lo-^ ' cabin on the southeast quirterof the section. This cabin i. still *ta-.dmg and is one of the olde.t residences in Hendricks County. '

In May, 1S3S, lie moved his family to their frontier home, where he lived till his death in November, 1S55, aojed seventy-one years. He was a man of good education for the times. His opportunitiesfor receiving instruction were'limitcd, but he was fond of I'eadiiigand thus acquired a fair knowledge of the literary and business world. He becran life in meager circumstances, but accumulated a competency by his good management and practical business al)il- - ity. In politics he was an Abolitionist. His wife survived him but eleven month?, dying in October, 1S56. Their family consisted of three children, two of whom, Jonathan L. and Mrs. Rachel Phillips, are living. Miriam is deceased. Jonathan L. Newman was born in Randolph County, N. C, in 1820, and was about eighteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to- Hendricks County. , He assisted his father in clearing and improving the farm, and succeeded him in its ownership. He liasbeen successful in his pursuits and now owns 675 acres of valuable land. He married Maria C. Phillips, daughter of Eli Phillips. To them have been born four daughters - Hiirriet, wife of William C Robinson ; Mary E., wife of Frfaik Johnson ; ilartha E., at home, and Julia, wife of Harrison Shields. In politics Mr. Newman is a Democrat.

Dr. John A. Osborne, druggi.it, Stilesville, Ind.,.is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Hendricks County, a son of Hardin and Priscilla (Tincher) Osborne. Ilardin Osborne wasborn in Rockcastle County, Ky., in 1S04. His father, Nicholas Osborne, was a native of Virginia, and when a young man moved to Kentucky, .where he married Susanna Rolierts, and in IS'iJr^ moved with his family to Hendricks County, Ind., and located in Clay Township, entering the land now owned by Isaac Ratliif. Seven or eight years later he moved to Liberty Township where he died at the age of eighty-seven years. Hardin was the eldest of a large family. He was married near the present village of Anio, in August, 1.S29. Four or five years later hesottled in Clay Township, where he died March 8, 1863. His widow is still living and makes her home with lier children. Tliev had a fiimil}- of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, nine of whom are living. Five sons served in the war of the Rebellion. Thomas J. was a member of the Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry, and died at La Grango, Tenn., in January, 1863. Nicholas s^^rved three years, a member of the Seventieth Indiana Infantry. He was wounded in the left arm, and has never recovered from its effccrs.

Silas enlisted in October, 1861, in the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, and was killed in 1S63, while with Colonel A. D. Streight on his raid through Georgia. William B. was a member of the same company aiid was captured while on the raid and imprisoned several months. He re-enlisted and served about five years. James H. served three years in the Seventieth Indiana Infantry. The other surviving children are - Mrs. Nancy Jane Bercham, of Lincoln, Neb.; Melinda, wife of William M. Reitzel; John A., George W., Henry C, and Mrs. Sudio Harrison, of Vigo County, Tenn. Dr. John A. Osborne was born in Liberty Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., May G, ISll. When twenty-two years of age he began the study of medicine at Belleville, with Drs. Moore & Kennedy, and in 1861 attended lectures at Hush Medical Colle£re, Chicao-o, 111. He graduated from the Indiana Medical College, Indianapolis, in 1871. He practiced two years in Clinton County, Ind., and then returned to Hendricks County, where he has since lived. In 1878 he was elected Recorder of Hendricks County and served four years. His health became impaired and he was unable to practice, and after the expiration of his term ofoflice engaged in fariring till Feb. IS, 188.5, when he. located in Stilesville, and became established in the drug business. He was married to Harriet W. Kay, a native of Ohio. They have three children - Maud, Inez and Harry.

David Reitzel was born in Guilford County, N. C, Nov. 21, 1806, a sou of Henry and Catherine Reitzel, also natives of North Carolina, of German descent. He was reared in his native county and was there married April 1, 1830, to Deborah .Marshall, a native of the same county. In 1831 he and his wife and infant son started for Indiana, the objective point being Farke County, but as that county was considered unhealthy located in Hendricks County. They were accompanied by Joshua Pickett, who also settled in Franklin Township. Mr. Reitzel entered 160 acres of land on section 7. No improvements had been made and he has made hjs presetit fine farm by his own industry and energy. He has added to his first entry till he now owns 300 acres, all well improved. He 13 one of the most substantial farmers of the county, having acquired a competency for his declining years. His wife died Aug. 6, 18-19. They had a family of ten children - William M., Hannah C, Sarah C, Lucinda -J., Martha Ann, Matild H., Martin L., John H., Eli F., Aaron R. Seven of these are now living. Hannah, wife of William McCormack, died Feb. 21, 1873; ^Martha

A., wife of Olivt-; Saudess, died in 1862, and Eli F. died ac^ed five years. March 7, 1850, Mr. Reitzel naarried Susan Lietzmrn, a native of Wjthe County, Ya., born Jan. 30, 1827. Two children were born to them - Saloraa E. and David A. Mrs. Eeitzel is a daughter of Charles and Mary Ann Lietzman, who settled in Danville in 1S30. The father, a native of Germany, and a tanner by trade, died in 1840, and the mother died in 1871. Mrs. Reitzel is the only daughter living in a family of eight children, three of whom are dead-Catharine, Jane and James, the last named dyinom infancy. Those living are - John, Theodore, Charles and Will! lam. ^ Politically Mr. Reitzel was formerly a Whig, but has affiliated with the Republican party since its organization.

James Snoddy, one of the prominent pioneers of Hendricks County, was born in Eourbon County, Ky., Jan. 4, 1799, a son of John and Mary Snoddy, his father a native of North Carolina and his mother of Yermont. In 1823 his parents moved to Owen County, Ind., where they died. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county. IIo was married in 1819 to Rachel Everman, a native of Ohio, bom Nov. 18, 1803. Her mother died when she was a child, and her father subsequently moved to Kentucky, and later to Owen County, Ind., where he died. In 1820 our subject settled in Monroe County, Ind., and in 1830 came to Hendricks County and locate! on section 30, Franklin Township, entering^a tract of 1^0 acres of wild land, where he lived till after the death of his wife, when he sold his farm and has made bis home with his daughter, Mrs. Stringer. "Mrs. Snoddy died Oct. 1, 1877. She was from girlhood a member of the Christian church. Mr. Snoddy is a member of the same denomination. In politics he votes the Republican ticket. Of his seven children, but one, Mrs. Mary E. Stringer, is living. The deceased are - John,' Nancy, Moses W., Julian, Martha J. and James W.

Edmund St ringm' \7&B born in Bullitt Connty, Ky., Nov. 28, 1825. His parents, Thomas and Mary Stringer," came from that county to Indiana with their family of nine children, and settled in Hendricks County. The first year they lived near Stilesville, and then entered eighty acres of Government land in Adams Township, Morgan County, where they passed the rest of their lives. The father died June 17, 1847, aged eighty years, and the mother Jan. 3, 1854, aged seventy year.s. Of a familv of nine children, five, Mrs. Susan Gentry, Mrs. Sylvia Clark, James, Lewis and Asa are deceased. The living are - Reuben, Edmund, Rich- ard and Mrs. Minerva Halts. Edmund Stringer remained on the homestead till after the death of his parents, and succeeded them in its ownership, making it his home till 1SG9. He then lived two years on his father-in-law's farm, and in 1S72 bought the furm where he now lives, on section 3-i, Franklin Township. His home contains seventy-nine acres of valuable land, and he also retains the old homestead in Morgan County. Mr. Stringer was married Oct. 3, ISoS, to Mary Ellen Suoddy, a native of Hendricks County, born in this township May 26, 1S33, daughter of James and Rachel Snoddy. They Iiave two children - Eberle and Warren. Mr. aud Mrs. Stringer are members of the Christian church. In politics he is" a Democrat.

William Tincher, section 9, Franklin Township, was born in Monroe County, Ind., March 18, 1825, a son of John and Polly Tincher. His grandfatlier, Robert Tincher, was one of thefiist settlers of Clay Township, M;-",? county, "and lived there till his death, his sons John, Ro b«^'' , .^Sborge and Obadiah also being early settlers of Hendricks C^ ^n'iA-p' John and Polly Tincher had a family of four childreu--Emeline, Rebecca, Robert and Williai i, the latter being the only one living. The mother died in Putnam County, and the father subsequently married Mrs. Aseneth (Fox) Carter, widow of Aaron Carter, and to them were born four children - Mrs. Hannah Evans, of Illinois; Mrs. Mary J. De Pew, ct Marion Township; Obadiah, of Guilford Township, and John, of Morgan County, Ind. The second wife died and the father married again. Flis third wife survives him. He died in June, 1St1\ aged thirty-eight years. William Tincher was married April ( , 1645, to Martha A. Fitts, a native of Indiana, born April 6, 182£, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Fitts. Her father died in Putnam County-, and her mother at her residence, in ISSO. Mr. and Mrs. Tincher have had eight children - John, enlisted in the war for the Union in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and died at Knoxville, Tenn.; William U., resides in Kansas; Mrs. Eliza A. Woods, of this township; James M., of Stilesville; George W., at home; Sarah E., wife of Rev. Lewis S. Smith, a Methodist minister, now of Tippecanoe County; Harrison T., an attorney of Inlianapolis; Flora X. and Charles D., :!- home. After his marriago Mr. Tincher lived near Coatesville t:l: the spring of 1S5S, and then located 0!i his present farm, where lie owns 335 acres of valuable land. He is purely a self-made man. He was but seventeen years of age when his f dher dieJ, nr.d since then has been obliged to rclj on his own resources, but energy, frugality and business tact have been rewarded, and he is now one of Franklin Township's most substantial and reliable citizens. He has served his township efficiently as Trustee. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

James Walls, a pioneer of Franklin Townsliip, was born in "Wilkes County, i!^. C, and was there married to Mary Kennedy. In 1825 they moved to Indiana that they might provide a better home for their family. They located in Monroe County, and remained one season, but not being satisfied with the country determined to look further before making a permanent location. Accordingly, in the spring of 1826, Mr. Walls came to Ilendrieks County and entered eighty acres of land iii Franklin Township, near the present site of Stilesville, now owned by his son John. He built a log cabin, into which he moved his family, and at once began the improvement of his land. By hard work on tlie part of himself ard wife they improved their land and made a good home, gradua''/ adding to the first purchase till they owned 200 acres. He ' as a man of strong force of character, and a worthy specimen of the honored pioneers, who converted the forests into fruitful fields. He died in the prime of his manhood, Nov. 22, 1841, his wife surviving him till Jan. 12, 1873. Their family consisted of ten children - Susan E., Keuben P., Mary Ann (deceased), Elizabeth and Sarah (twins, the latter deceased), Nancy L., Joseph, James, "William and John.

Reuben P. Walls, section 19, Franklin Townsliip, was born in North Carolina in 1824, the second of ten children of James and Mary (Kennedy) Walls. After the death of his father in 1811, he took charge of the farm, and with the assistance of his mother, who was a woman of fine executive ability, the work of improvement progressed. In 1862 he located on Ms present farm, where he owns 120 acres of fine land, all under cultivation. He was married Sept. 9, 1817, to Martha Harrison, a native of Knox County, Ky., born Jan. 27, 1S2S, daughter of Th'otiaas Harrison, a pioneer of Hendricks County. Mr. and Mrs. "Walls have had a family of eleven children, six of whom are living- - Frances, Marion C , Howard "W., Nancy, Lora E. ard Alva J. James T. died at the age of twenty-six years, leaving a wife a.nd two children; Mary Angeline, aged twenty-nine years; Clara E., aged twelve years; Alice, aged one year; and one daughter in infancy.

was born in Franklin Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., March 27, 1S45. He was reared a farmer, and educated at the district schools of his neighborhood until the spring of 1865, after which he attended the Danville Academy almost a year. In September, 1866,he entered the Asbury,now theDe Pauw, University at Greencastle, Ind., which he attended three years, leaving at the close of the Freshman year in June, 1869. Mr. Woods was a son of Lorenzo N. and Catherine (Coble) Woods. After leavins; school he taught in the district schools of Hendricks County for six years during the winter terms, farming the remainder of the year. In 1877 he discontinued teaching and has since followed farming exclusively in Franklin Township. In November, 1SS2, he was elected one of the County Commissioners oF this county, and assumed the duties of the ofhce in the following December. He was married Feb. 7, 1872, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of William and Martha (Fitz) Tincher, of Franklin Township, born Aug. 19, 1850. Thev have two children- - Homer A. and Ernest. He and hi? w'.e are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Stilesville, ji which ho is Steward and Trustee.

Source changes here: from History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Her People, Industries and Institutions, by Hadley, John Vestal, published 1914; 872 words in this source stream.

Topography

In the extreme southwest corner of the county is located FrankHn township, containing parts of township 14 north, ranges i and 2 west. It is bounded on the north by Clay township, on the east by Liberty, on the south by Morgan and Putnam counties, and on the west by Putnam county. The soil level is comparatively flat in the northwestern and southeastern portions, but in the central part it assumes a rolling character. Mill creek and its tributaries drain the township in the central and west and Mud creek drains the southeastern part. These streams are small but of great value to the land. For cultivation the soil of Franklin township is unsurpassed in Hendricks county, especially for corn. It has a rich, alluvial quality, free from sand and alkali, and is of high productiveness.

Early Settlement And Events

Judge Nathan Kirk was the first settler in the township of Franklin. In 1820 he located on Mill creek, where it was crossed by the old Terre Haute trail, and in this place he kept a sort of tavern, a resting place for the weary traveler. Jeremiah Stiles, the founder of Stilesville, was the next settler of whom there is any account. He came in 1823. He was followed shortly by the following: John Swart, John and Isaac Wilcox, John Eslinger, David Orsborn and Jacob Reese.

The date of the organization of the township is in doubt, but it is certain that it was very shortly after the organization of the county. Jere Stiles was the first justice of the peace. Samuel Wicks was the first merchant in the township, in Stilesville, which had been laid ofi in 1830, and Doctor Mahan was the first physician.

First Election

At Stilesville, on August i, 183 1, was held the first general election of the township. Forty voters were registered on the poll books. Their names follow : William Shipley, Jonathan Sparks, Joseph Petty, Jacob Reese, Jere- -miah Stiles, James Kelly, John Brown, George H. Keller, George Morris, 'George Hancock, Henry Reese, William Thomas, Peter Pearson, Thomas Wood, Edward Shipley, Samuel Wick, Daniel Austin, Lorenzo D. Cleghorn, James Walls, Isaac Odle, William Scott, Charles Smith, Silas Rustin, William Wilcox, Absalom Snoddy, Samuel Gerber, Monroe Cleghorn, Joseph Cleghorn, William Snoddy, James Pritchett, Eli Lee, Frederick Cosner, William Becknell, Joshua Rustin, James Bray, James Wiece, John Hancock, Silas Bryant, Nicholas Osborn and Garry Morris.

The vote at this election was counted by James Walls and Silas Bryant, as judges, with Thomas Wood and John Hancock as clerks, and Jeremiah Stiles as inspector.

Until the election of 1856 Franklin township was very strongly Whig in sentiment, then became Republican. The Democrats have recently become the strongest party in the township.

To give a proper description of the present Franklin township would require much more space than is available here. In a word, the township has become one of the best in the county and her institutions, schools, churches, commercial activities, etc., have grown rapidly in the past twenty years or so. Railroad facilities are poor in this township and the chief town, Stilesville, is entirely removed from the steel lines of transit. Nothwithstanding this deficiency, the excellent roads and the automobile have enabled the farmer and business man to maintain adequate communication with the rest of the county. And, too, the telephone, both local and long distance, have been a great factor in the growth of Franklin township.

Stilesville was laid off as a \'illage in 1828 and a small settlement started. The opening of the national road through this county, in 1830, passing directly through Stilesville, made the town of some importance in the early day, but now the place has been forced to the rear by the absence of either

At first, Stilesville was a stopping place for emigrants bound for the West and it became quite popular. The town has since kept pace with modern progress and now presents a neat and attractive appearance. It is not an incorporated town. Among the new features of the town is the new high school building, constructed in 1912 at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. Good accommodations may be secured in Stilesville ; in fact, in most respects it has overcome the handicap of being without railroad facilities.

The Citizens State Bank was organized in the year 1913 by a stock company. It succeeded the bank owned by E. R. Robards. The first officers were John E. Hicks, president; B. VV. Anderson, vice-president; Chester G. Pike, cashier. These officers are the same now, except the office of vice-president, which is filled by Charles W. Robards. The bank was chartered May 27, 1913. The capital stock is $25,000; the deposits, $65,000 and surplus,. $2,200.

Larabee Lodge No. 131, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized at Stilesville in May, 1852. This lodge is still in existence and has good support, having sixty-five members.

Stilesville Lodge No. 538, Independent Order of Odd .Fellows, was organized fifteen vears ago, and now has one hundred and twenty-five members.

Enoch Alexander Post No. 265, Grand Army of the Republic, at Stilesville, was mustered in the fall of 1833 with thirteen charter members. This post is not active at the present time, many of the comrades having passed away.